Gronaas, Benjamin Johnson 1856 –

GRONAAS, BERTELSEN, SWENSON, OLSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/12/2015 at 17:51:08

BENJAMIN JOHNSON GRONAAS.

The career of Benjamin Johnson Gronaas, who came to the United States and Winneshiek county about 1886, again establishes the fact that this county offers unlimited opportunities to the man who sets out with a will and determination to grasp them. Mr. Gronaas now owns a valuable farm of eighty acres on section 25, Decorah township, Winneshiek county, where he successfully engages in agricultural pursuits. With the exception of two years which he spent in the west, he has been a resident of this section since his arrival in America, and has become favorably and widely known in that length of time, being not only an interested witness of the changes that have occurred here but a valuable factor in promoting growth and progress, especially along agricultural lines. Born in Norway on September 16, 1856, he is a son of John and Elizabeth (Bertelsen) Gronaas, natives of the Norseland. The father was a deep-sea pilot by occupation and so engaged from the age of twenty-five to that of seventy. He passed away in his native country in 1905 at the advanced age of ninety years, his wife preceding him in 1903.

Benjamin Johnson Gronaas was reared under the parental roof and educated in the schools of his native land, laying aside his text-books in order to embark upon a career as a sailor. He entered upon this career when but fifteen years of age and so continued until the age of thirty, when he came to America, making his way inland and locating in Winneshiek county, where for three years he worked as a farm hand. At the end of that time he had by industry and thrift acquired the means to purchase forty acres of land in Decorah township and set about to improve the same, but later sold out and went westward, where for two years he also followed agricultural pursuits. He then returned to Winneshiek county, acquiring title to eighty acres, and upon this farm he now resides. He has made valuable improvements since entering upon the ownership, has erected a comfortable residence and substantial outbuildings and operates his land according to the latest improved ideas. As the years have passed his place has increased in value to a considerable extent and he is today recognized as one of the substantial agriculturists of his section. Outside of his farming interests he is a stockholder in the Ice Cave Creamery Company of Decorah.

On May 4, 1882, while still in his native land, Mr. Gronaas was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Swenson, a daughter of Gesle and Anna Swenson, natives of Norway, where both have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Gronaas are the parents of ten children, as follows: Bertha, the wife of John Olson, a farmer of Winneshiek county; John, who resides in Decorah; Ole, who also makes his home in this city; Anna, of Madison, Wisconsin; Adolph, who holds a position in Ossian, this state; Clara, of Stoughton, Wisconsin; Benjamin, at home; Edward, at home; and Marie and Norman.

Mr. Gronaas gives his allegiance to the Lutheran church, of which he is a member, and politically adheres to the republican party. Interested in the cause of education, he has served as school director of his district for some time and always supports any worthy public enterprise. His career is proof of the fact that success is but ambition's answer, and the record which he has made in this township entitles him to the good-will and confidence of the general public. He has made many friends since settling here and is considered a valuable element in the agricultural growth of Decorah township. While his success is commendable, the qualities of mind and character which have made possible his prosperity deserve yet higher appreciation, and it is these qualities which rank Mr. Gronaas as a valuable member of society and citizen of Winneshiek county.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913